Checking You Out

I once read something like "The only way to positively change the world is to positively change the person in front of you". I would have to agree. One of the most effective acts of kindness is to reply to the cashier at the grocery or discount store. When they say "Thank you. Have a nice day", I always make an effort to look them in the eye, thank them and sincerely wish them a nice day ore evening. Sometimes, they are caught off guard. They look at me as if I am some type of freak.

Last evening, I had to make a trip to the grocery store. There were not many customers in the store since it was fairly late on a Sunday night. When the cashier thanked me and wished me a nice evening, I looked her in the eye and wished her the same. She looked as if she were going to cry. She then said that she was tired and did not feel well. She had had some unfriendly customers earlier in the evening. "Thank you for recognizing me as an individual person and showing gratitude and kindness", she said. My actions and words may have helped brighten her day. However, I felt pretty good as well. I got a good deal at the store - and I am not talking about coupons or specials in the frozen food area. The situation reminded me of the parable of the mustard seed. A simple action and a few sincere words made it possible for two people to feel pretty good. That is what I call "getting the most bang for a buck".